When your family sits down at your dinner table, do your kids think that the dinner fairy magically created all the food in front of them? While my statement might be an exaggeration, the concept may ring true. The idea to gather the family together in the kitchen to prepare the meal is often a foreign one. From quickly prepared options to lack of food knowledge, barriers often block families from cooking together. Why not take some time to change the pattern in your house.
Cooking as a family doesn't have to be a difficult process. From simple to follow recipes to working together, the few minutes behind a stove can be very enjoyable. More importantly, this time can be used to reconnect with each other. For example, why does your son not like tomatoes? Is it a taste or texture issue? What other fruits or vegetables could you substitute in a dish to make it more appetizing for him?
Since my children were small, I tried to keep them involved in the cooking process whenever possible. Companies like Curious Chef make real kitchen tools that are designed for the younger crowd. You can have the kids help core an apple or mix the eggs with these specialty designed tools. As the kids get older, you can incorporate more advanced cooking techniques and various cuisines.
In addition to the food knowledge my kids learned, we could talk about other subjects like math and science. Measuring ingredients for a recipe worked well with addition, subtraction and other math topics. Science was discussed when oil and water don't mix. The possibilities are limitless.
What I learned by bringing my family together to cook as a group is that we view cooking and food as accessible. No recipe is too hard or can't be modified. No food can't be dismissed without at least trying it once. Most importantly we enjoy our time together in an activity that keeps us engaged with each other.
Is your family ready to cook together?
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